August 30, 2023
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The Post Draw Analysis
Welcome to the thrilling world of horse racing, where speed, elegance, and competition converge in the prestigious Pacific Classic Stakes. Held as the crown jewel of the summer meet, the $1 million G1 Pacific is a gateway to coveted Eclipse Awards, including titles like Horse of the Year. We have a field of 11 exceptional horses & post positions have been drawn.
#1 Geaux Rocket Ride ML Odds 5/2
Geaux Rocket Ride, under the skillful guidance of trainer Richard Mandella and jockey Mike Smith, is once again poised to win another major stakes race. After securing the inside position, a pressing running style similar to how he defeated Arabian Knight & KY Derby winner Mage in the Haskell will likely be deployed. I thought he needed a race going into the Haskell, but he proved me wrong so I have no doubt he’s going to improve in his second race following the layoff. Rank: 2
#2 Katonah ML Odds 20/1
The Doug O’Neil trained gelding has hit the board in six out of seven starts this year. Katonah emerges as a standout in the O’Neil barn since the horse was acquired by the trainer back in November 2021 and did not race until January 2023. His patience was rewarded when Katonah won the Pleasanton Mile Stakes back in early July. Rank: 10
#3 Stilleto Boy ML Odds 8/1
Stiletto Boy, under the guidance of trainer Ed Moger and Jockey Kent Desormeaux won the Santa Anita Handicap back in March using a pressing style approach. He went right up to the lead in the Stephen Foster, Literally chasing Speed Bias (The Horse), but when pitted against West Will Power he faded down the stretch. As the son of Shacklford, his inclination is to go to the lead, but verses this field it’s better plan to conserve as much horse as possible. Rank: 5
#4 Tripoli ML Odds 20/1
Trained by John Sadler and ridden by Tiago Pereria, Tripoli, the 2021 Pacific Classic winner, faces questions at 6 yrs old after just 1 win since that performance. The closer did run a 110 Equibase speed figure in his San Diego Handicap effort. Another effort similar could give him a chance to hit the board & maybe fill out the superfecta. Rank: 9
#5 Defunded ML Odds 4/1
Defunded, entrusted to the skillful hands of trainer Bob Baffert, is a true speedster that commands attention. Despite a fourth-place finish as the beaten favorite in the San Diego Handicap, this performance should not be written off entirely. He should improve in his second race off of the layoff. A return to his Hollywood Gold Cup form, where Defunded showcased his prowess, will place him in an advantages position to steal the show Saturday. Rank: 4
#6 Order And Law ML Odds 30/1
Meet Order and Law, the seasoned stalwart in this year’s Pacific Classic lineup, boasting a remarkable 42 starts since his August 2018 debut. With a rich history that saw him under the guidance of two previous trainers, it’s Robert Hess Jr. who now has him & Edwin Maldonado navigates his journey this Saturday. Order and Law heads into the Pacific Classic with a renewed sense of purpose, coming off the G3 victory in the Cougar Stakes. Rank: 11
#7 Slow Down Andy ML Odds 8/1
Guided by the expertise of trainer Doug O’Neil and the skilled hands of jockey Mario Gutierrez, Slow Down Andy emerges as a contender of substance. He unleashed a monster performance during the San Diego Handicap taking the lead late in the race only to be eclipsed by Senor Buscador’s surge at the finish line. This 113 Equibase speed figure he earned was a career best. It was just his second race of 2023 so I can see improvement in the third coming up. Rank: 7
#8 Senor Buscador ML Odds 10/1
Trainer Todd Fincher and the skills of jockey Giovanni Franco, Senor Buscador stole the show at the San Diego Handicap. Despite a lackluster performance that placed him fifth in the Hollywood Gold Cup, his speed figures showed a much better horse. The closing effort at Delmar to defeat fellow rival Slow Down Andy showed that to be true. The 115 Equibase speed figure he earned there showed how good he runs first off the layoff. Rank: 6
#9 Arabian Knight ML Odds 3/1
Arabian Knight, marking his return from a 6 month layoff in the Haskell, showed himself well. It was just his third lifetime race & served as a jumping off point to his young career. He should show marked improvement going a mile & a quarter at Delmar. He’s the lone front runner & has the talent to go wire to wire. Rank: 1
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#10 Piroli ML Odds 20/1
This Mike McCarthy trained gelding ran a strong second challenging Defunded in the Hollywood Gold Cup shown above. This one could be live to hit the board since winning three of six starts with one second and one third in his 2023 season. The fourth place in a one-mile Del Mar allowance-optional claiming race July 30 was not great, but he stumbled at the break in that race and had a wide trip thereafter. With a better trip Saturday evening this gelding could be in contention when the field hits the homestretch under first-time rider Umberto Rispoli. Rank 8
#11 Skinner ML Odds 10/1
Making his comeback at Los Alamitos, Skinner exhibited his mettle with a hard closing runner-up finish, trailing only Reincarnate. He may have been closer had he not drifted down the stretch. Considered a middle-tier contender, Skinner enters the Pacific Classic a tier below fellow 3-year-olds Geaux Rocket Ride and Arabian Knight, plus a few older rivals. To secure victory, he must summon a career-best performance. He’s displayed promising training under John Shirreffs’ watchful eye, known for his patient approach. With untapped potential, Skinner warrants attention as a value play. Rank: 3
2023 Pacific Classic Rankings
These are where I rank the 11 contenders right now. Once I do a deeper dive into Past Performances & further research I may change these around. My goal is to begin narrowing down the field in order to make an informed & positive expected value bet.
